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Equip2Golf constantly searches the web for news and information about new products. We also receive press releases about new equipment and here we have compiled some of the new product news and annoucements that you may have missed. We will update this page as we learn of new products.
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| December 8th, 2005 |
| Q-Link Pendant |
- The Q-Link from Clarius Products International is a stylish pendant worn around your neck that helps your human energy field function at its optimum level, which strengthens your resilience and resistance to the effects of stress. People who wear a Q-Link report having clearer thinking, increased awareness, calmness, better sleep, enhanced mental focus, stamina, vitality and more. The main benefits of the Q-Link is that it strengthens your resistance to the effects of stress, increases energy and enhances mental performance especially under stress , and strengthens immunities to Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) emitted by cell phones, computers, and other electronic devices. The latest Q-Link offers a sleek, contemporary design that is available in your choice of white or black. The one and one-half inch triangle with beveled edges has two distinct sides, each making a unique statement. It can be worn by both men and women and be worn all the time?as a signature piece, dressed up or down. The new pendant was designed by internationally acclaimed designer Neville Brody. The new Q-Link pendant contains the latest enhancements to the SRT technology, SRT 3?, which enables the device to more efficiently resonate life-supporting frequencies in your energy field, providing a more powerful response to stressors. Most people will realize heightened energy, notice a quicker effect and have more rapid return to centered emotional balance. The Q-Link contains no power source of its own and works like a tuning fork, resonating with and strengthening the life-enhancing information already present within the biofield. It is recommended that the Q-Link is worn all of the time. Everybody?s different; some people notice immediate results, but for most people it takes days or longer. FDA stress testing shows the effects are instant, even if you don?t realize it. For optimal results, it is highly recommend that you wear your Q-Link all the time. THe Q-Link has been seen on tour quite a bit lately. The company reports it is currently worn by more than 200 touring professional golfers on the four major golf tours (PGA, Champions, LPGA, and European). It was worn by players during victories in more than 10 major golf championships. It was worn by the members of the European Ryder Cup team when it beat the U.S. in 2002. It was worn when the decades old PGA 72 hole scoring record was broken by Mark Calcavecchia. We have worn the Q-Link since early fall and have found to have felt better overall during this timeframe. Our main tester spends countless hours in front of a computer screen and has felt less stressful since wearing the Q-Link pendant. The Q-Link carrys an online price of $129 each. All Q-Link products carry a one-year warranty. You may also return your Q-Link product for any reason for a full refund within 90 days of purchase. For additional information, visit www.qlinkgolf.com.
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| October 29th, 2005 |
| UST Putter Shaft |
- United Sports Technologies (UST) introduces the new Frequency Filtered? prototype putter shaft on the Champions Tour with impressive results. In its first ever outing on a pro tour, the new graphite putter shaft designed to provide instant feedback and better feel than standard steel putter shafts won the Pro-Junior division of The Wal-Mart First Tee Open at Pebble Beach. Still only available as a Tour prototype, the new Frequency Filtered putter shaft is the result of a joint venture between United Sports Technologies and Alabama-based Balance Certified, an equipment technology company well known for its Tour-proven Pro-Balance shaft weighting system. The two comapnies goal was to design a system that significantly improved a player?s ability to perceive or ?feel? exactly where ball impact occurs on the putter face. This feedback to the player results in improved putting ability since the player quickly learns to stroke more putts on the putter?s sweet spot. UST describes the new Frequency Filtered shafts as being analogous with stereo equipment. ?When listening to your radio, any static noise just gets in the way of the quality of sound,? they indicate. ?A good sound system which filters out the static noise leaves you with only sounds that are meant to be heard. This is similar to what happens with the Frequency Filtered shaft. There are many different types of vibrations that occur when a putt is struck. Some of these vibrations are always there, but don?t provide the player any useful feedback about the putt. These vibrations are equivalent to static noise on a radio. The Frequency Filtered shaft filters out these ?static noise? vibrations, leaving only vibrations that provide feedback about how the putt was struck. The result is that feel becomes clearer." Recently Wes Short, Jr. used the new shaft to win on the PGA Tour winning the Michelin Championship .
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| September 5th, 2005 |
| Titleist Forged 735.CM Irons |
- Titleist introduces two new sets of irons with the Titleist Forged 735.CM irons.The new irons feature a transition from cavity back long irons to muscle back short irons. Progressive blade heights, blade lengths, offset, topline, center of gravity and moment of inertia allow each club to perform to tour level standards for every shot that is required. The Titleist 735.CM irons are available in two different alloys ? forged stainless steel and chrome plated, forged 1025 mild carbon steel. Forged 410 stainless steel provides a soft, solid feel with a rich, non-glare satin finish and offers a wider range of custom options. Forged 1025 mild carbon steel, the primary choice of tour players, provides a soft, solid feel with a traditional bright chrome plated finish for a classic appearance. The irons feature a modified bore-thru design that removes non-essential mass from the hosel and repositions it directly behind the hitting area. This creates the optimal center of gravity for consistent launch conditions. The modified bore-thru is finished with a lightweight polymer (chrome model) or aluminum (stainless model) pin that dampens vibration and improves sound and feel. Availability for the Titleist Forged 735.CM irons is set for August 15, 2005 in both right and left hand. The suggested retail prices for the Forged Stainless model is $112 per iron with steel shafts and $129 per iron with graphite shafts. The 735.CM Chrome model is $120 per iron with steel shafts and $137 per iron with graphite shafts.
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| September 5th, 2005 |
| Nike Slingshot OSS Irons |
- Nike Golf recently introduced its second generation of the Slingshot irons. The new Slingshot OSS (Oversize Slingback) is an extension of the original Slingshot irons featuring a shifted the center of gravity lower and deeper in the Slingshot OSS for increased forgiveness and to make it easier to square the clubface. In the design the irons Center of Gravity (CG) has been moved further beyond the face by deepening the original Slingback design, widening the Dual Glide sole and incorporating a lighter, hotter Cryo Steel face. With this design the Slingshot OSS yields a center of gravity position that is well beyond the thickness of the clubface, making it easier to hit the ball higher, longer, more accurately and with softer-landing shots. Nike Golf has saved 29 grams of weight savings from the ultra thin Cryo Steel face. This weight has been placed further back in the clubhead's new Oversize Slingback as well as lower in the wider Dual Glide sole. All of this combines to enhance perimeter weighting and increase the Moment of Inertia, which helps resist clubhead twisting on impact for more forgiveness. The Cryo Steel clubface is thinner, stronger and creates a hotter ball speed than conventional stainless steel. A robotically controlled laser weld maximizes the Cryo Steel faceplate size to create a large/responsive sweet spot. Through 3-D Flow Weighting, the Slingshot OSS irons have weight strategically and uniquely distributed in each clubhead within the set. Long irons have weight concentrated low, rearward, and in the heel to facilitate squaring the clubhead and getting the ball airborne. As the club numbers increase throughout the set, the Slingback design incrementally shifts higher and towards the toe to precisely calibrate trajectory and spin rate to prevent shots from ballooning while maintaining the ability to hold greens. The Dual Glide sole has been engineered to provide the clubhead with smooth flow through the impact zone. The wide constant sole width of the Slingshot OSS irons makes it easy to get the ball airborne and increase the effective bounce to help prevent digging and "fat" shots. The beveled trailing edge of the sole reduces turf drag and the risk of thin shots. Availability is set for November 1, 2005 with a suggested retail price of $799 in steel and $899 in graphite.
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| September 5th, 2005 |
| Nike Shox Golf Shoe |
- Nike Golf recently added a new golf shoe that leverages technology from its popular running category. The Nike Shox golf shoe is designed to bring to golfers the same cushioning and responsive technology that has been giving runners a superior ride. Nike Shox Golf is engineered for the golfer looking for superior comfort and support while providing responsiveness, stability and durable cushioning. The innovative column and plate design of the Shox is similar to a spring. On heel impact, the column compresses and shock forces are distributed across the plate. When the columns return to their natural shape, the result is forward propulsion and an energy return that leaves the wearer?s legs less fatigued over time. The Shox system featured in Nike Golf Shox is located in the heel of the shoe and has been designed specifically for golf. It features lower and more elongated-shaped Shox columns compared to the Shox in running. This variation provides optimum stability and comfort specifically for golf.
A synthetic leather combined with lightweight mesh on the exterior ensures further comfort and breathability. Finally, the shoe features Nike?s T@C (Traction at Contact) rubber outsole technology, engineered for maximum grip with minimum damage. For unmatched green-friendly traction, the Shox has Scorpion Stinger Spikes and the Q-LOK fastening system, which makes changing spikes as easy as changing shoes, all in a quarter turn. Availability of the Nike Shox Golf shoes is set for October 1 with a suggested retail price of $130.00. The shoes come with a two-year limited waterproof warranty and a 45-day limited comfort warranty.
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| September 5th, 2005 |
| Mizuno MP-60 Irons |
- Mizuno recently introduced the new MP-60 forged iron featuring revolutionary Cut Muscle Cavity design technology. The Grain Flow Forged MP-60 is 4% larger and has a 10% larger sweet area when compared to its Cut Muscle counterpart the MP-32 iron. Utilizing patented Grain Flow Forging technology and the breakthrough Cut Muscle Cavity design, Mizuno engineers were able to strategically position weight in specific areas of each club to create a flighted sweet spot location, and a precisely placed center of gravity, while maintaining the maximum amount of solid feel with added forgiveness throughout the set. The result is an iron that delivers an extremely consistent and predictable ball flight, with a slightly higher trajectory in the long irons than the MP-32, and a mid trajectory, similar to that of the MP-32s, in the scoring irons. Other features of the new MP-60 include a rolled leading edge, cambered mid-sole, and rolled trailing edge to deliver consistent striking ability from all types of lies, modified U-grooves produce the ideal spin rate for maximum playability in all conditions, and a durable double nickel chrome plated finish for a player preferred look. The MP-60 will be offered in right and left handed models (S300 only) with True Temper Dynamic Gold S300 and R300 steel shafts and Golf Pride Tour Velvet 58 Round Grips standard. Availability is set for September (RH models) and March 2005 (LH models) with the suggested retail price of $1,200 for 3-PW set with steel shafts. Other shafts and grips as well as flat or upright lies are available through Mizuno's Custom Club department. The MP-60 is also available with a two iron in right hand only.
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| August 31st, 2005 |
| Nike SasQuatch 460 Driver |
- Nike Golf recently introduced its latest driver, the Nike SasQuatch (SQ) 460 Driver featuring a visually distinctive head design and yellow sole design. Nike Golf's club wizard Tom Stites has designed the ideal ratio between the width of the clubface and the depth of the club head. The SasQuatch geometry pushes the breadth-to-face length ratio up, resulting in a larger, more forgiving sweet spot. Through the power of geometry and Max Back Center of Gravity (CG) technology, Nike Golf has been able to achieve a lower, deeper CG without the use of weights. With its CG set back, low and deep, the SasQuatch is a highly engineered, streamlined instrument of size, power and forgiveness. By way of Max Back CG, geometry teams up with physics to create three advantages: Forgiveness - increases the club head's Moment of Inertia (MOI) or resistance to twisting during off-center hits ; Distance - Wider, taller sweet spot ; and Accuracy - moving the CG farther back makes the clubface easier to square for straighter drives. All of the benefits from the Max Back add up to a higher launch angle, low spin and longer distance. The Powerbow technology provides the visual cue of the Max Back CG's radical geometry. Placed on the back of the driver, the Powerbow technology expands the perimeter of performance making it easier to get the ball up and hit it straight. The Powerbow adds a trailing volume of mass to apply more power and control to the ball without overstepping the 460 cc legal limit. To get a hotter response and greater consistency, the SasQuatch has a face of layered yet tightly compressed titanium called NexTi, developed exclusively for Nike Golf. Available only in Nike Golf drivers, NexTi brings a revolution of control to the chaotic world of titanium structure. The NexTi titanium face is thinner, stronger and lighter than conventional titanium. The SasQuatch will be available November 1st with a suggested retail price of $359 each. Also introduced is the SasQuatch Tour 460 with a taller face height with less breadth than the SasQuatch 460. This unique profile delivers a more boring trajectory and the increased workability desired by better players. The SasQuatch Tour 460 driver is available February 1st, 2006 with a suggested retail price of $419 each.
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| August 21st, 2005 |
| Ping G5 Hybrid |
- Ping Golf introduces it's first-ever wood-like hybrid called the G5 Hybrid. The club is distinguished by a sloped crown which positions the center-of-gravity low and back to promote a higher launch. The stainless steel head?s compact design ensures playability from all conditions. The 455 steel face is machined and robotically plasma welded to provide distance and consistency. The G5 Hybrid is available in lofts of 16°, 19°, 22° and 25° in both steel and graphite shafts. The suggested retail proce is set at $185 per club with a steel shaft and $215 per club with a graphite shaft. The G5 Hybrid is available starting November 1, 2005.
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| August 21st, 2005 |
| adidas Tour 360 Golf Shoe |
- adidas Golf recently introduced the Tour 360 golf shoe featureing a 360 Wrap with independent forefoot and heel delivering exceptional support that helps to keep the foot centered within the shoe, ensuring a solid hitting platform and enhanced stability. Additional features include a 3D fit foam sock, anti-clog outsole, TPU toe-drag protecting the toe from normal wear and tear on the toe. a "no-slip" tongue keeping the tongue in place, and finally a performance lining that places ultra-suede leather in the collar, heel and tongue and a moisture-wicking mesh lining encases the rest of the foot to help keep the foot cool, dry and comfortable. Initially, the Tour 360 will be available in three color combinations starting in the Fall: black/black/metallic silver; running white/black/power red; running white/black/metallic gold. Two additional color combos are planned for release next Spring. The suggested retail price for the Tour 360 golf shoe is set at $180.
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| August 6th, 2005 |
| Ping Tour Black Nickel Wedges |
- First introduced in 2004, the PING Tour Wedge offers a versatile head size for golfers who rely on their wedges to play a variety of shots. The latest addition offers a Black Nickel Chrome finish that creates higher spin rates for improved control on approach shots and around the green. The rounder sole profile adds to the versatility by allowing golfers to set the club head in most any position to play the required shot. The machined face and grooves ensure proper spin rates and consistency for wedge shots of any length. Blasted and polished finishes provide golfers additional options based on their personal preference. Available in 50°, 52°, 54°, 56°, 58° and 60° lofts. Low bounce (8°) versions are available in 58° and 60° lofts. Ten color codes are offered to custom fit each golfer to the proper lie angle. Steel and graphite shafts are available.
Suggested retail price is $115 per club with a steel shaft and $145 per club with a graphite shaft. Shipments begin September 1, 2005.
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| July 10th, 2005 |
| Adams Driver |
- Adams Golf recently introduced their newest driver, the Redline RPM 460 DUAL. The 460cc driver features two moveable weights providing optimal launch conditions, forgiveness, and versatility by way of customized ball-flight options. The head design features a composite crown allowing the additional weight to be moved to performance enhancing locations. The two weights total 14 grams with one located in the heel and the other in the toe of the driver. Adams Golf first entered the market place with the technology last year with the Redline RPM 430Q that features four moveable weights. The Redline RPM DUAL driver began shipping in June with lofts of 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, 11.5 degrees (right hand) and 9.5 and 10.5 degrees (left hand). A torque wrench, owner's manual, four weights and logoed black suede pouch are included with each purchase. Suggested retail price is set at $349 each.
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| July 10th, 2005 |
| Nickent Putter |
- Nickent Golf recently introduced the PIPE Putter. The new putter features a unique alignment aid where the head was designed with a cylinder pipe shape on the top of the club head to provide a 3-dimesional visual readout of exactly where the putter is lined up. Putters made to help alignment in the past were only one dimensional, allowing only half the visualization needed to sink longer putts. The PIPE putter is one solid block of alignment aide that shows precisely where the putter is aimed from any position and any distance on the green. Because it is 3-dimensional, it will also show what direction to roll the ball from any type of stance or different putter lie. The benefits of the PIPE Putter are not purely visual. A heavy plug in the rear of the pipe section accounts for 15% of the weight of the putter, while the overall construction of the putter is a light polymer centerpiece surrounded by heavier steel. This combination allows for distribution of weight to the heel, the toe and rear of the clubhead, producing a very high moment of inertia and an extremely low center of gravity. This mixture of minimized backspin and resistance to twisting on miss-hits creates a true roll that can only be accomplished by an expanded mallet that has maximum ground-level weighting. The expanded mallet keeps the clubhead stable throughout the swing, encouraging a pendulum stroke. The P-Line face insert is a proprietary advanced polymer composite. The ultra- lightweight polymer insert allows for additional distribution of weight to the heel and toe, producing a forgiving perimeter weighted putter. The polymer face also helps reduce backspin for increased accuracy by rolling the ball faster at impact. The PIPE Putter comes with a WINN grip, a True Temper Double Bend steel shaft and comes in lengths of 32? through 36?. Suggested retail price for the PIPE Putter is $199 each.
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| July 10th, 2005 |
| Nickent Driver and Fairway Woods |
- Nickent Golf introduces directional control drivers and fairway woods with no screws attached. The 3DX drivers and fairway woods feature built-in 3DX weight ports strategically placed to provide internal and exterior weighting that matches your swing. The weight port technology is the same as that used on the popular 3DX Ironwood. The head is made from SP-700 titanium alloy known for its formability, strength and heat-treatment properties. Plasma welding is then used in the construction of the 3DX driver to create an increased energy transfer between the club head and the ball. Plasma welding also saves more than seven grams of weight for the Nickent engineers to redistribute weight deeper in the club head, creating a lower center of gravity and an even larger sweet spot. The 3DX weight ports are constructed as internal and exterior weights. They provide over 40 grams of weight shift in the fairway wood and 20 grams of weight shift in the drivers to the designated area in the club head. Two versions of the 3DX driver are available, the Draw Spec and the Tour Spec. The D-Spec?s loft, lie, CG, MOI and weight have all been configured to make the ball have the perfect draw. The T-Spec is engineered for players who prefer a flatter trajectory and a more workable ball flight. The entire 3DX driver and fairway wood line is available with the popular Aldila NV graphite shaft. The D-Spec and T-Spec come standard with a 55-gram and 65 gram Aldila NV, respectively. The 3DX Fairway Wood features a proprietary 70-gram Aldila NV fairway wood shaft. The D-Spec is available in 9, 10, 11 and 12 degrees RH and 9,10 and 11 degrees in LH. The T- Spec comes in 7, 8, 9, and 10 degrees in RH. The 3DX fairway wood comes in 14,16,17.5, 19 degrees and 21 degrees RH and 16, 17, and 21 degrees in LH models. The MSRP for the 3DX driver is $349, while the fairway wood is suggested to retail at $199.
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| July 10th, 2005 |
| FST Shafts |
- FEMCO Steel Technologies (FST) announces the introduction of ProVision steel golf shafts. This innovative shaft, designed specifically for irons, has the custom club builder in mind. FST recognizes that a common problem for most golfers is achieving desired shot patterns from each iron in their set. ProVision addresses ball flight patterns on a club to club basis. This will be a useful tool to golfers because while the loft and the center of gravity of individual iron heads is the major contributing factor affecting ball flight, shaft characteristics also play a significant role. FST teamed up with Howard Butler of Golf Science Consultants and developed a truly customizable steel shaft to help golfers optimize ball flight patterns for each iron in their sets. The principle is simple, and is based on the shafts' bending characteristics that occur at the point of impact with the ball. These characteristics include the forward bend a shaft undergoes at impact, a bend that changes the "effective loft" of the club. How much the club is affected depends on the shafts' individual characteristics. To address the issue, Butler's team of scientists, including Michael Twigg, PhD, developed and studied a substantial information database related to golf shaft bending characteristics during the swing cycle, especially just prior to impact with the ball. The result of their study was the ProVision, a shaft design that would enable the club fitter to increase or decrease the "effective" loft of a golf club by varying the way the shafts are trimmed. This shaft corrects the problem that most golfers face when they attempt to use each iron in the set to achieve a desired distance and ball flight, and the expected result doesn't occur. For example, it is not uncommon for some golfers to hit a 5 iron and 6 iron (from the same set) the same distance. Typically, the 6 iron head is designed with more loft than the 5 iron; however, the shaft's bending characteristic may change the "effective loft" of the 5 iron to that of the 6 iron or vice versa. Other similar examples occur more often than not. The ProVision shaft can be fitted to correct the incremental "gap" between irons, and can thus provide true customization for golfers who desire a certain ball flight from an individual club. The ProVision shaft with its unique, easy to use software and prescribed shaft trimming instructions provides a custom club fitter the ability to easily adjust each club according to each players' needs. For additional information, see www.fstshafts.com.
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| July 10th, 2005 |
| Bridgestone Golf Ball |
- Bridgestone Golf recently introduced its first expansion of the Tour B330 line, for players seeking a softer feel and added spin control, the Tour B330-S. The Tour B330-S is a three-piece urethane ball, featuring a 330-dimple pattern for reduced drag during elevation, and a prolonged lift after peak trajectory, causing a shallower angle of descent. Seamless Cover TechnologyTM (SCT®) offers a superior alternative with complete dimple coverage compared to conventional balls that have a seam that may cause unexpected differences in ball flight. SCT creates added distance and a more consistent flight for pinpoint accuracy. The Tour B330-S is mainly differentiated from the original B330 by a new cover and core formulation designed for smooth feel. Bridgestone?s innovative new core is a softer version of the one used in the B330, using varying degrees of softness from the inside to outside of the core, known as Gradational Compression Technology. The Soft Speed Elasticity core generates extreme compression for reduced driver spin and faster rebound for explosive distance. The combination of the Tour B330-S?s new Soft Speed Elasticity Core and new responsive urethane cover, designed for increased touch and control make the ball 15% softer than the original B330 and makes the ball more conducive to generating spin, all while maintaining the B330 line?s identity as one of the longest balls in golf. Suggested retail price for the Tour B330-S $54 per dozen.
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| July 10th, 2005 |
| Callaway Driver |
- Callaway Golf Company recently introduced the Big Bertha Fusion FT-3 driver, a new 460-cc multi-material driver designed to deliver the ultimate in high performance. The FT-3 Driver combines Callaway Golf's patented internal weight-shifting technology with a precision-tuned face to deliver increased distance, accuracy, and forgiveness. Fusion Technology is all about the marriage of two distinctly different materials in the clubhead: an ultra-hot titanium cup face and a superlight carbon composite body. The body of the clubhead is very lightweight freeing up 44 grams of discretionary weight which is distributed inside various parts of the head to benefit golfers' unique swing types and ball flights. The titanium cup face, with patented Variable Face Thickness Technology, has a larger effective hitting area for greater distance on off-center shots. All the discretionary weight in the FT-3 gave Callaway Golf club engineers the latitude to precisely position it to maximize stability and generate corrective-spin characteristics. This is as important to amateurs of all levels as it is to top-tier pros. With Callaway Golf's OptiFit Fitting System developed in conjunction with the FT-3 Driver, golfers can customize their driver simply by choosing the setup that best fits their individual swing type. They can choose from three Center of Gravity (CG) choices: Neutral for maximum workability; Draw for reducing a slice or fade and promoting a draw; or Fade for reducing a hook and promoting a fade or straight ball. The 460cc head serves to increase Moment of Inertia (MOI) for extreme forgiveness on off-center hits and exceptionally consistent ball speed up, down and across the face. The FT-3 and FT-3 Tour Drivers are very similar in design. The Tour version comes in half-degree lofts to distinguish it from the standard version. The face angle is slightly more open than the standard lofts, and the shaft, an Aldila NVS 65, is available in regular and stiff flexes that complement the swing speeds and styles of more accomplished players. The new Big Bertha Fusion FT-3 Driver is available in lofts of 9, 10, 11 degrees, and HT (High Trajectory) and comes standard with the proprietary Callaway Golf Fusion NVS graphite shaft from Aldila (Light, Regular, Stiff and Ladies flexes), which promotes a higher ball flight. The Big Bertha Fusion FT-3 Tour Driver comes in 8.5 and 9.5 degree lofts with Regular and Stiff flexes. Left-handed versions of the Big Bertha Fusion FT-3 Driver are available in 10 and 11 degree lofts. The left-handed FT-3 Tour is available in the 9.5 degree loft. Suggested retail price for the Big Bertha Fusion FT-3 driver is $499 each.
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| July 4th, 2005 |
| Rossa Putter |
- Rossa, TaylorMade-adidias Golf?s putter brand, recently introduced the Monza Corza, a large, mallet-style addition to the Monza line of putters designed with four high-performance features intended to make it easier to roll the ball smoothly and accurately. The first feature is the Anti-skid Groove System Insert (AGSI). This is a large putter face insert made of Titallium, an durable seven-metal alloy that is 65% less dense than steel. The face of the insert is scored with 12 CNC-milled grooves, each filled with a soft polymer to dampen unwanted vibration at impact, contributing to improved feel. Additionally, the shape of the grooves "hold" the ball through impact, reducing backspin and promoting forward spin resulting in better distance accuracy and directional accuracy. The second feature is the company?s Movable Weight Technology? allowing players to change the putter?s weight and feel by changing two weights affecting the overall weight of the putter head. Golfers can install as little as four grams in the or as much as 28 grams allowing to tailor the feel of the putter to suit personal taste and playing conditions. Another feature of the new putter is a wire-framed putter head and semi-floating putter face designed to improves the putter?s moment of inertia (MOI) increasing forgiveness and impart a crisp feel at impact. Finally, the Corza features a linear alignment system found on previous Monza putters, making it easy to aim the putter face. There will be three models available: the Corza, a heel-shafted design with a double-bend shaft; the Corza 1, a heel-shafted model with an L-neck to create a toe-down option; and the Corza Center, a center-shafted model. The Corza will be available in mid-June while the Corza 1 and the Corza Center models available in September. Each will have a suggested retail of $208.
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| July 4th, 2005 |
| TaylorMade Driver |
- TaylorMade introduced the r5 dual TP, a new driver that combines the large size and forgiveness of their r5 dual titanium driver with their Movable Weight Technology?. The r5 dual TP incorporates two weight ports positioned in the back of the clubhead at the heel and the toe. Installing cartridges of differing weights in the ports allows the player to move the clubhead's center of gravity toward either the toe or heel to promote varying degrees of draw bias and fade bias, or to promote a neutral, or straight ball flight. Included with the r5 dual TP are six cartridges: a 2-gram cartridge, a 4-gram cartridge, two 6-gram cartridges, an 8-gram cartridge and a 10-gram cartridge. Also included with the r5 dual TP is a wrench, red carrying case for the wrench and cartridges, and a headcover with a secure magnetic seal. The driver is 450 cubic centimeters in size, made possible by the company?s Super-Thin Wall (STW) casting technology, which allows for clubhead walls that are 20% thinner than those of a typical titanium wood. The r5 dual TP is engineered with an exceptionally deep face, which increases the player's opportunity to achieve "vertical-gear effect." Vertical-gear effect refers to what happens when impact is made with the upper part of the clubface, above the CG. When that occurs, the upper portion of the clubhead rotates slightly backward at impact while the lower portion rotates forward, which counteracts the backspin normally created by clubface loft. The result is a higher launch angle and less backspin, a combination that promotes greater distance. The r5 dual TP is engineered with a square clubface alignment, in keeping with the preferences of skilled players, for whom the TaylorMade's TP line of equipment is intended. The stock TP shaft is the Mitsubishi Diamana 83 with .335" tip diameter, which is used by many top tour pros. The r5 dual TP is also available with two custom shaft alternatives, Fujikura Speeder 757 and Fujikura SIX, both of which are used on tour. The grip on the r5 dual TP is a Golf Pride Tour Velvet, the most popular on tour. The r5 dual TP will be available in mid June with a suggested retail price of $750 each.
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| June 15th, 2005 |
| TaylorMade Fairway |
- TaylorMade also introduced the r7 TP fairway wood incorporating Movable Weight Technology? providing golfers the ability to change the clubhead's center of gravity (CG) location to promote different types of trajectories. The r7 TP fairway is a titanium wood designed with with two weight ports positioned low in the back of the clubhead, near the heel and toe. By installing cartridges of differing weights in the ports, golfers are allowed to move the clubhead's CG toward either the toe or heel to promote varying degrees of draw bias and fade bias, as well as to promote a neutral, or straight, ball flight. The r7 TP fairway comes with four cartridges - a 2-gram cartridge, two 8-gram cartridges and a 14-gram cartridge. The wrench, which is necessary to remove and install the cartridges is not included but can be purchased separately. To save the weight necessary to incorporate movable weight technology into the r7 TP, a titanium construction was required. Titanium's lower density allowed TaylorMade engineers to create a lower and deeper inherent CG location in the r7 TP as compared to the V Steel. The r7 TP's inherently low and deep CG works with TaylorMade's movable weight technology to create new CG positions that dramatically and positively alter the player's trajectory. The use of titanium as a clubhead material also allowed TaylorMade engineers to lower the center of gravity (CG) and move it farther back in the head, helping to make the r7 TP more playable from a wide variety of conditions. Additionally, the r7 TP features a refined version of the V-shaped sole employed by the TaylorMade V Steel. Shaping the sole like a V results in diminished turf-resistance, resulting in increased playability and power. The r7 TP fairway wood family includes a 13° Tour Spoon, 15° 3-wood, 17.5° 5-wood and 20° 7-wood. Stock shafts include Fujikura Vista Pro 80 (graphite) and Dynamic Gold (steel). Both are available in extra stiff, stiff and regular flexes. The new woods will be available in mid June with a suggested retail price of $500 per club with graphite shaft and $450 per club with steel shaft.
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| May 2nd, 2005 |
| TaylorMade Hybrid |
- TaylorMade-adidas Golf Company recently has introduced a new hybrid models called the Rescue dual. The new design is engineered for average players and incorporates TaylorMade's movable weight technology, the same technology found that TaylorMade introduced last year in the r7 quad driver and which gives players the power to change the clubhead's center of gravity (CG) location to promote different types of trajectories. The Rescue dual features two TaylorMade Launch Control (TLC) ports positioned low in the back of the clubhead, near the heel and toe. Installing TLC cartridges of differing weights in the TLC ports allows the player to move the clubhead's CG position to promote a draw bias or to promote a neutral, or straight, ball flight. Included with the Rescue dual is a 14-gram TLC cartridge and a 2-gram TLC cartridge. Because the majority of golfers hit the ball from left-to-right, the Rescue dual is engineered with added fixed weight near the heel, which pulls the CG back and toward the shaft to promote the kind of clubface rotation during the forward swing that produces a slight draw. For players who wish to counteract the Rescue dual's inherent tendency to produce a draw, the 14-gram TLC cartridge should be installed in the toe TLC port and the 2-gram TLC cartridge should be installed in the heel TLC port. The added weight in the toe slows the rotation of the clubface, promoting a neutral, or straight trajectory. Conversely, players can increase the Rescue dual's draw bias by adding more weight to the heel by installing the 14-gram TLC cartridge in the heel TLC port and the 2-gram TLC cartridge in the toe TLC port. The Rescue dual also incorporates a new, V-shaped sole design that makes the clubhead more stable and easy to aim at address. The Rescue dual also features a small, unobtrusive metallic swing weight plug permanently installed in the back of the clubhead, between the TLC ports. By using plugs with differing weights, TaylorMade engineers can simply and easily adjust the club's swing weight. Shaft options include the new M.A.S.2 65-gram graphite hybrid shaft and the new Rescue Steel Hybrid. Both are available in stiff, regular, mature and lady's flexes. Four Rescue Mid models are being offered: 2 (16°), 3 (19°), 4 (22°) and 5 (25°). The TLC Wrench necessary to install and remove TLC cartridges is sold separately. Headcover is included. TaylorMade Rescue dual hybrids will become available at retail beginning in mid June, at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $275 per club with graphite shaft, $235 per club with steel shaft.
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| March 29th, 2005 |
| Maxfli Golf Ball |
- Maxfli, a brand of the TaylorMade-adidas Golf Company, recently introduced a premium, tour-caliber golf ball called BlackMAX that's engineered to compete with the Titleist Pro V1, Titleist Pro V1x and Callaway HX Tour. The BlackMAX is a multilayer ball, its parts including a large Neodymium rubber core, a firm, thin ionomer mantle and an ultra-thin cast thermoset urethane cover. Neodymium rubber is an uncommon core material because it is the most difficult polybutadiene rubber to process, yet Maxfli chose this material because it offers a superior combination of high Coefficient of Restitution (COR) and low compression. That equals high velocity off the clubface, yet soft feel at impact. BlackMAX's thin ionomer mantle serves a dual function. Off the driver it works with the core to help minimize backspin. Low spin-rate, when combined with a high launch angle, creates launch conditions that promote maximum distance. Off the irons, especially short irons, BlackMAX's soft urethane cover is compressed between the mantle and the clubface, giving the clubface traction as it strikes the ball with downward force. That creates sufficient backspin to make the ball "grab" the green and quickly come to a stop. The BlackMAX golf ball carries a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $50 per dozen and is at retail stores in March 2005.
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| March 29th, 2005 |
| Titleist Drivers |
- Titleist recently introduced the Pro Titanium 905 series drivers. The new 905 drivers feature an innovative multi material design including a CNC milled, high grade, structural aluminum hosel tube, precise cast titanium body, and a thin, high-strength beta titanium face insert. This construction allows for unproductive mass to be removed from the hosel area and strategically relocated into internal weight pads, creating a more optimal center of gravity. The plasma welded beta titanium face insert is supported by a thin outer face flange, and produces higher ball speed and the maximum allowable Coefficient of Restitution. The cleaner plasma weld process eliminates weld material in the face to create a more efficient overall weight distribution. The 905 line consists of two distinct models, the 905T and 905S. The 905T features a larger front-to-back profile size for increased dynamic loft at impact and a slightly higher launch angle than the 905S. The 905S features a deep face design for reduced spin versus the 905T. The larger 400cc head sizes of both the 905T and the 905S offer increased playability and their highly accepted true pear profiles are designed to meet the visual requirements of tour professionals and competitive golfers. Titleist Pro Titanium 905 drivers carry a suggested retail price of $500 and commence shipping to golf shops on April 1, 2005.
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| March 29th, 2005 |
| Nike Golf Ball |
- Nike Golf will soon be introducing the new Nike One Platinum golf ball, the first ball designed to maximize play with today's larger head drivers by promoting a higher trajectory and a lower spin rate. Tiger Woods has been playing a prototype One Platinum since the debut of the 2005 PGA Tour at the Mercedes Championships. He continued his winning ways from the November switch to the 460cc Nike Ignite driver, but since January the One Platinum has helped him elevate his game even higher. In his six events this year he is averaging 305 yards off the tee, which ranks him 3rd, and his 407-yard bomb at the Mercedes ranks as the 2nd longest on Tour. For Woods though, the One Platinum's responsiveness around the green is just as critical. A couple of the other reasons he green-lighted the One Platinum project to go to production are his 74.1 percent average in Greens in Regulation, which ranks 3rd, and his 69.16 scoring, ranked 2nd this year. When it hits the market, the Nike One Platinum will feature a Progressive Density Core with a soft center and a progressively harder outer shell. This provides lower spin off the tee even with its soft outer cover. It is comparable to the Nike One Black, Nike's longest ball on Tour, in that regard. Similar to the Nike One Gold, the One Platinum is comprised of three layers or covers beyond the core. Each cover of the One Platinum has its own job to do: the Inner Cover, closest to the core, is designed to reduce spin off the driver; the Middle Cover provides superior mid-iron control; and the Outer Cover, softer than the Nike One Gold, promotes incredible feel around the green. The Outer Cover also features Nike Golf's proprietary 408 dimple pattern, the same one used on the Nike One Black. This particular dimple promotes a higher trajectory and more penetrating ball flight through the apex of the ball's trajectory. In other words, it descends at a less steep angle promoting more distance and roll. The suggest retail price for the Nike One Platinum is $54 per dozen with shipping planned for May 2005.
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| February 21st, 2005 |
| Tour Edge Hybrid Irons |
- Tour Edge Golf recently introduced their latest product in the Exotics line of high-end equipment, the Exotics Hybrids irons. These irons feature the performance of hybrids with the look and feel of a tradiational cavity-back blade. The design features a process called Tungsten fusion where a tungsten sole has been fused to a stainless steel head. This process allows the repositioning of 50 percent of the head's total weight (100 grams) toward the heel and toe, and away from the face for a solid, consistent feel. The irons feature a narrow, blade-like sole for increased workability of a blade plus the higher moment of inertia and forgiveness of a hybrid. The irons come standard with the Nippon GH950 steel or Fujikura Exotics graphite shafts and Golf Pride Dual Durometer grips. Suggested retail price is $899 3-PW set in steel and $1099 3-PW set in graphite.
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| February 21st, 2005 |
| Traditional Golf Irons |
- Traditional Golf recently introduced the new Tour Edition forged irons. The irons feature the minimal offset, the least offered by Traditional. The material is the same as used in their previous forgings, high grade soft carbon steel which is softer than most on the market. The irons are custom made and all are made to order. with delivery time set at approximately 6-10 weeks. The price is $1040.00 ($130.00 per iron) for a 3-PW set with DTrue Temper Dynamic Gold Steel shafts. Custom shaft options are available upon request. Single 1 and 2 irons and Tour Wedges are available for $130.00 each. The standard finish is Satin with a high mirror finish available at $10.00 extra per iron. Finally, personalized initial stampings are available at $12.00-15.00 per iron.
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| February 21st, 2005 |
| Ben Hogan Golf Ball |
- Ben Hogan Golf introduces their newest premium golf ball, the Tour Deep. The new ball features a very thin cover, large core, and unique placement of siz deep dimples on the cover the is dsaid to improve aerodynamics reducing the drag on the golf ball for increased distance. A new urethane cover is doft and durable providing spin and control around the green. Suggested retail pricing for the Tour Deep golf ball is set at $50 per dozen.
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| January 20th, 2005 |
| Heavy Putter |
- The new Heavy Putter models combine heavy-mass putter heads and an unprecedented Weight Management SystemTM consisting of a heavy upper-shaft insert and interchangeable tip weights, to create a patented balance point 75 percent higher than conventional putters. The models:
A3 ? blade-style head with a heel mounted, double-bend shaft configuration
B1 ? mallet-style head with a center-mounted shaft
B3? mallet-style head with a heel-mounted, double-bend shaft
Various standard, mid- and long-putter lengths are available for men and women in both right- and left-handed models. Suggested Retail Price starts at $239 each.
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| January 18th, 2005 |
| TaylorMade Driver |
- The new r7 quad ht driver shares the same advanced technologies that have made TaylorMade's r7 quad such a phenomenal success, including TaylorMade Launch Control (TLC). TLC technology gives the user the freedom to change the clubhead's weighting to create a variety of launch conditions in a state-of-the-art titanium driver. The r7 quad ht is targeted at players who can increase their distance off the tee by increasing their spin-rate and launch angle.
The r7 quad ht clubhead is sized at 400 cubic centimeters - the same as the standard r7 quad - however the ht features a shallower, longer clubface and a larger, more substantial clubhead shape when viewed in the address position.
The ht's different shape gives it a 5% increase in MOI versus the standard r7 quad, so the ht is a bit more forgiving on mis-hits. Additionally, the difference in the r7 quad ht's head geometry results in a center of gravity (CG) position that is 1.5 millimeters farther back and 1 millimeter lower than the r7 quad, which is a significant change. The ht's deeper and lower CG position produces launch conditions that deliver a higher trajectory. TaylorMade testing indicates that the r7 quad ht delivers a higher launch angle and additional backspin compared to the standard r7 quad. These attributes are beneficial to players who need more spin and a higher trajectory to attain added distance.
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